EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Landon Collins has played on just one team with a winning record in his first seven NFL seasons. After spending his first four seasons with the Giants, he joined Washington as a free agent in 2019. Collins' last two seasons in Washington ended prematurely with Achilles tendon and foot injuries, respectively. The Commanders released him in March.
But when Collins did an interview today, he exhibited none of the disappointment or disillusionment that could well result from traveling on such a rocky road.
"Still smiling," Collins said after the Giants' final full-scale practice for their home game Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. "I'm just having fun. Regardless of win or lose, it's a hard game. When you step into the building, you've got to have that positive mindset. You got to come in here confident knowing you've got to be able to do what you got to do or make a play or do something to help this team win. And that's the confidence that's within me."
The team that gave him his first NFL chance has now given him his latest. The Giants signed Collins to their practice squad on Oct. 7.
"They didn't make me any promises," Collins said. "They just told me to come in here and learn the dime position for now. That's about it. Learn dime and safety. I said, 'Alright, cool.'"
Collins has been working on the scout team and studying Wink Martindale's defense. He must earn his way on to the active roster.
"Joining the defense, getting involved with the guys, getting the opportunities to go showcase my skills," he said. "I've been enjoying it."
He has lined up at both inside linebacker and safety.
"Basically, the dime position is the defensive back position, so I would put it in that category," he said. "So, it is like a linebacker, but it is a DB position. When you play, you can also play a linebacker. I can play both, so that's what they're going out. That's what they're leading me to."
Saquon Barkley is the only current Giants player who was on the active roster when Collins last wore blue in 2018. He is also friends with Sterling Shepard, who is on injured reserve.
"It's a young team," Collins said. "The younger the team, the younger you feel. The older the team, the older you feel. As a vet in this situation, then I have to treat it more as a 'I can have fun with these guys' kind of situation."
Collins' tenure with the Giants from 2015-18 was marked by high achievement. The 33rd overall pick in 2015, he was a first-team All-Pro in 2016 and a three-time Pro Bowler. Collins was a three-time NFC Defensive Player of the Week and the Player of the Month in November 2016. He led the Giants in tackles in each of his first three seasons and was a team captain in 2018.
Collins often spoke of his love for football and how he hoped to have a long career with the Giants. But he signed with Washington as a free agent in 2019, beginning a largely unfulfilling three seasons with the team now called the Commanders.
Now, he's returned to the Giants hoping to get a gameday uniform.
"It's always humbling," he said. "I'm always going to be humble about every opportunity that I get. You know me. If I touch the field, it's a different aspect. I can make plays. I can be a playmaker. I can be a game-changer just given that opportunity. But at the end of the day, regardless about me talking about being on the field, if experience-wise, I can help these guys figure something out, see something differently, see what they should be reacting to, what keys they should be looking at, that experience is big knowledge for me and a big tip for me to help them. It's the overall game for the team, so that's the biggest thing."
Because he's confident he can be an asset and because he enjoys nothing more than playing football, Collins' smile remains.
"I always have that love for the game," he said. "This is my heart. This is my heart regardless of the situation.
"Nothing has changed, no. If I could play 15 years and I'm allowed to play 15 years in this game or even more, I love it. And they got a guy playing 17 years. the tight end from Green Bay (Mercedes Lewis). Man, if I get that chance to be able to do that and have the opportunity to do that, hell yeah. Just to be around these young guys keeps me young no matter what, it's football. It's a child's game. So, why not?"
*The Giants today announced that five players are out of Sunday's game against the Ravens: wide receivers Kenny Golladay (knee) and Kadarius Toney (hamstring) and defensive backs Cor'Dale Flott (calf), Tony Jefferson (foot) and Jason Pinnock (ankle).
Defensive end Azeez Ojulari (calf) is doubtful.
Three players are questionable: defensive lineman Leonard Williams (knee), wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (knee) and tight end Tanner Hudson (illness).
*The Giants will play their 100th regular-season home game in MetLife Stadium when they host the Ravens Sunday. They've also played two games as visitors vs. the Jets and one postseason game against Atlanta in 2011.
In the 13 seasons they've played in MetLife, the Giants are 46-53 as the home team, 1-1 as visitors and 1-0 in the playoffs. They are 2-1 this season and 14-10 in October, their only winning month in MetLife.
*Baltimore leads the regular-season series, 4-2, and defeated the Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.
The teams have met just once in MetLife – six years ago to the day on Sunday. On Oct. 16, 2016, Eli Manning threw a 66-yard touchdown pass to Odell Beckham, Jr. with 1:24 remaining to give the Giants a 27-23 victory. The Giants last faced the Ravens on Dec. 27, 2020, when Baltimore jumped out to a 17-point halftime lead and maintained its advantage throughout a 27-13 victory in M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens rushed for 249 yards, including 80 by quarterback Lamar Jackson.
*Daniel Jones and the Giants last week defeated the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers, the NFL Most Valuable Player in 2020 and 2021. Jackson was the league's 2019 MVP. Jones can be the first quarterback to beat the last two MVP quarterbacks in back-to-back games since Minnesota's Sam Bradford beat Rodgers and Cam Newton in Weeks 2-3 in 2016.
*When they host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, the Giants will celebrate Latino Heritage Month in partnership with Ford and supported by Dunkin' and PNC Private Bank. Fans will be welcomed with several plaza festivities, including sampling of Latin cuisine, live DJ, Latin style dance exhibition, Super Bowl trophy on display (weather permitting), and more. The festivities will be hosted by HOT 97's Laura Stylez and will take place on the plaza between MetLife and Verizon gates.
For more details, visit: Giants.com/Los-Gigantes
View rare photos of the all-time history between the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) is brought down by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce (58) and \Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield (96) during their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Members of the New York Giants offensive line, Kareem McKenzie (67), Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60), Rich Seubert (69) and Kevin Boss, far right, walk to the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from Baltimore Ravens' Lardarius Webb (21) the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) is cheered on by teammates as he runs in for a touchdown while Baltimore Ravens' Matt Stover (3) attempts to catch him during the third quarter Friday, Aug. 25, 2000, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants line up at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Cornerback Aaron Ross #31 of the New York Giants returns an intercepted pass (his second of the day) for a touchdown during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants running back Gary Brightwell (23) returns a kick off past Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) upends Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) in Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Giants 34 - 7. January 28, 2001. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
A look down the line of scrimmage during a NFL football game with the New York Giants playing against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) runs with the football during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Ravens 24-20. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants safety Julian Love (20) returns an interception over Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) catches a pass during an NFL game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Ravens 24-20. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Baltimore Ravens' Geno Stone (26) tackles New York Giants' Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Giants Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), right, and Leonard Williams (99), top, chase a ball fumbled by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8), bottom, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley dives into the end zone to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Daniel Bellinger, right, catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens' Marcus Peters (24) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens place kicker Justin Tucker (9) reacts after missing a field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) passes the ball against New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from Baltimore Ravens' Eric Weddle (32) on a game winning touchdown as Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, left, reacts during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 27-23. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman, center, is stopped by Baltimore Ravens defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) and defensive tackle Brandon Williams (98) while running the ball during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Domenik Hixon, left, is pressured by Baltimore Ravens defensive back Chykie Brown as he tries to make a catch during an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Joe Jurevicius (84) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Breshad Perriman (18) catches a pass between New York Giants' Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) and Landon Collins (21) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from Baltimore Ravens' Will Davis (31) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Timmy Jernigan (99), Zach Orr (54) and Kamalei Correa (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens' Ryan Jensen (66) blocks New York Giants' Johnathan Hankins (95) as Terrance West (28) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away form Baltimore Ravens' Anthony Levine (41) for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, left, looks for a receiver as he is pressured by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul during an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New York Giants wide receiver Roger Lewis (82) celebrates after catching a pass from quarterback Eli Manning for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The catch was Lewis' first career touchdown reception and Manning's 300th career touchdown pass. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Kyle Arrington (24) near the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) takes the snap from center Weston Richburg (70) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin looks on as his players warm up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning ended the drive with his 300th career touchdown on a pass to Roger Lewis. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34ââ'¬â€œ7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Roman Oben (72) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) hauls in a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa, FL, Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Luke Petitgout (77) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens Sept. 3, 1999, in Baltimore. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants defensive lineman Linval Joseph (97) and Osi Umenyiora (72) wrap up Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) during a week 16 football game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 22, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) celebrates after they Giants stopped Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West on fourth down near the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) tackles Baltimore Ravens' Dennis Pitta (88) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) and Eli Manning (10) celebrates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back David Wilson, right, scores a touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens strong safety James Ihedigbo in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2001, file photo, New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) runs for a 97-yard touchdown during the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXV against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa, Fla. Dixon's 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown kept the Ravens from the first shutout in a Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch, File)
The New York Giants offense lines up against the Baltimore Ravens defense during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 24-10. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) runs away from a defender during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco drops back to pass against the New York Giants during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap (86) is upended by New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips, right, during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. At left is the Giants Michael Boley. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
New York Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka, left, tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap is upended by New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips (21) during an NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants lineman Chris Snee (76), Shaun O'Hara (60) and Rich Seubert (69) walk to the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) is hit by New York Giants' Jonathan Casillas (52) near the goal line on fourth down during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
David Diehl of the New York Giants during the Giants 30-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning signals to the bench the distance for a first down against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Baltimore Ravens running back Musa Smith picks up three yards as he is surounded by New York Giants' Nick Greisen (54), Radell Lockhart (78) and T.J. Hollowell, right, during the fourth quarter Thursday night, Sept. 2, 2004, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. The Ravens beat the Giants 27-17. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Antonio Pierce of the New York Giants during the Giants 30-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) directs his team from the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants guard Rich Seubert (69) walks to the line of scrimmage with quarterback Eli Manning (10) during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
David Sills V (13), Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Leonard Williams (99)
Dante Pettis (13)
Dexter Lawrence (97), David Mayo (55)
Sterling Shepard (87)
Daniel Bellinger David Sills V
Sterling Shepard (87)
Isaac Yiadom (27)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Leonard Williams (99), Xavier McKinney (29), Jaylon Smith (54)
Dexter Lawrence (97)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Julian Love (20)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
The New York Giants take on the Baltimore Ravens at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday October 16, 2022. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), Leonard Williams (99)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) following a football game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus/NY Giants)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)
Kayvon Thibodeaux (5), Leonard Williams (99), Dexter Lawrence (97)
